218 LIFE OF OCTAVIA HILL CHAP. this I say very little ; so very much depends on management, and the possibility of avoiding bad debts. Did I tell you of the purchase of a chest of tea for selling to the women ? They save much, and get very good tea. My hope is, however, not in this, nor any other outward arrangement ; but in these as a means of knowing and training the people to work and to trust. It is with me entirely a question of education. My whole hope is in that. I do care immensely, how- ever, for just sufficient material power to be able to meet any efforts of theirs to manage better ; and for the children to secure their health in some degree ; but this, so much having been given, I confidently expect to receive, if there be a real need. My conscience smites me for calling the possession of these houses the event of the term for us. I ought to have spoken of Gertrude's marriage. 1 They are now in Florence, very bright and happy. We were all at the wedding ; and very solemn and beautiful and bright it was. Denmark Hill, April 14th, 1866. MY DEAR OCTAVIA, I am much obliged by, and interested in, your letter. That Friar's Crag ! I was thankful to hear it is still there with its roots. Did I ever tell you my first memory of all life is looking down into the water there, holding my nurse's hand ? All that about the quiet children liking old things is delightful to me. Is any part of the lakes likely to be left in any human quiet 1 ? and do you think there might be any
The marriage of Gertrude to Charles Lewes, son of G. H. Lewes.
